12 Awesome Things To Do In Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
By M L | Updated March 2nd, 2023
Whether you’re an avid Civil War buff or just looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania is a great place to visit. From its rich historical sites to its natural beauty, Gettysburg has plenty of things to do for all types of travelers. Here are twelve awesome things you can do in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania during your next trip.
Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center
If you’re looking for things to do in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, check out the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center. This museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the Battle of Gettysburg and the American Civil War.
You can learn about the soldiers who fought and died here, see artifacts from the battle, and watch a film about the struggle. The museum also has a gift shop where you can buy souvenirs.
Some important exhibits you won’t want to miss are the 34th President of the United States and Gettysburg resident, Dwight D. Eisenhower, a visit to the surviving corps-level field hospital from the Battle of Gettysburg,
The dedicated children’s history museum, the new Virtual Reality Experience at the Gettysburg Lincoln Railroad Station, and many more permanent and temporary rotating exhibits throughout.
Perfect for all history buffs, young and mature, so that everyone will enjoy this experience.
Address: 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, PA 17325, United States
Jennie Wade House
The Jennie Wade House is a must-see for anyone visiting Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Jennie Wade was the only civilian killed during the Battle of Gettysburg, and her house is now a museum dedicated to her life and death.
The museum is small but very well done, and it’s fascinating to learn about 20-year-old Jennie Wade and her family’s past including the events that led to her death.
On display at the house are artifacts from that fateful day in 1863 which are on display as well, including the shell that punctured the roof of the house and a floorboard.
Address: 548 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325
Devils Den
At first sight, Devil’s Den produces a beautiful view of the hilly area with colossal lava rock formations strewn all over the area.
To think that soldiers once hid behind these very rocks, fighting for their lives and country at Gettysburg Battlefield during the American Civil War, brings such honor and pride to be able to stand here.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is a place everyone should visit. When you stand and look out upon these sacred battlefields, one can truly get a feel of what was lost and see what was gained.
Lincoln Train Museum
If you’re looking for things to do in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, be sure to check out the Lincoln Train Museum. This museum is dedicated to the history of railroads in the United States, and it’s a great place to learn about the role that trains played in the Civil War.
Ride aboard a real railroad train and enjoy many cool artifacts on display, including a replica of the famous Lincoln Train. You can also visit some restored train cars and check out the engines.
Check out the gift shop and leave with some very memorable souvenirs.
Address: 425 Steinwehr Ave, Gettysburg PA 17325
Little Round Top
Little Round Top is a historic site that everyone must see. The area is covered with monuments and plaques that allow you to reenact the battle.
Along with the Visitor’s Center, the Museum, the Film, and the Cyclorama, this scenic overlook provides a strategic vantage point for all so you can get a good breadth of the sheer size of the battles that took place so long ago.
On another note, the views from this point are so beautiful; one can have a beautiful photo shoot and mark your happy moments at this beautiful location.
Shriver House Museum
An excellent place to see artifacts from the 18th century and learn about the Battle of Gettysburg is the Shriver House Museum.
The Shriver family fled to the Big round top hill, among many other civilians, to find safety with the military. The Confederates invaded their homes and used them as a sharpshooter’s nest.
After 30 years, the Shriver’s house was restored to its original appearance in 1996 and served as a museum to bring light to the terror’s civilians faced during those times.
Address: 309 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325
State of Pennsylvania Monument
The Pennsylvania Monument is a beautiful sight. It’s on top of the hill and offers excellent town and mountainside views.
A staircase takes you to the top of this 110′ monument, which happens to be the most significant monument and the park’s crown jewel.
The soldiers’ names who have served and died during the war are inscribed along the base. Visit this historical monument to honor the soldiers and their bravery.
Address: Hancock Ave, Gettysburg, PA 17325
Eisenhower National Historic Site
The General and 34th President Dwight D. Eisenhower and his wife enjoyed weekend retreats at this historic farm; it was also used to hold meetings with world leaders in efforts to reduce Cold war tensions.
The grounds cover the main house, adorned with unique gifts of state and original furniture, acres of cropland, barns, and Angus -grazed pasture. There is so much to see and experience here; reserve a free guided tour so you don’t miss out on the rich history of this farm.
There are reenactments of events held every year at the grounds lasting days. It is interesting to relive events such as world war II and many more reenactments that are coming in the future.
Address: 243 Eisenhower Farm Rd, Gettysburg, PA 17325
Gettysburg Diorama
One of the most incredible things to do in Gettysburg is to check out the Gettysburg Diorama. This massive diorama shows the entire battlefield in astonishing detail, and it’s a great way to get a feel for what happened during the battle.
There is a half an hour light and audio show where you can follow the event through the eyes of Generals Lee and Meade as the narrative unfolds.
With carefully painted horses, cannons, and soldiers, this attraction is something you will not want to miss when visiting Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
Address: 241 Steinwehr Ave, Gettysburg, PA 17325
Land of Little Horses
The Land of Little Horses is a lovely place to visit in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and is perfect for the entire family.
Enjoy grooming the miniature ponies (especially fun for the kids), feeding them, going on pony rides, taking unicorn pictures, and enjoying fun performances by the talented ponies.
These aren’t just any normal animals; these furry friends are a talented little group of animals, appearing on America’s Got Talent, Ringling Bros. Circus, Nickelodeon Studios, and more!
There are playgrounds and nature trails that will keep you entertained for hours; whether you’re here for a birthday party, a group event, or part of the camp, everyone will be sure to have a delightful time at the land of little horses.
Address: 125 Glenwood Dr, Gettysburg, PA 17325
Victorian Photography Studio
One of the most incredible things to do in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is to visit the Victorian Photography Studio. This place is an actual working photography studio that takes pictures in the style of the late 1800s.
It’s a great way to step back and get a feel for life over 100 years ago. Plus, the photos you take here will be truly unique and one-of-a-kind.
For your next family portrait, you can find your perfect historical background with so many beautiful pictures of buildings and landmarks still intact from the Civil War era.
The Victorian Photography Studio also offers classes on how to take period photographs yourself. You’ll learn about using natural light, choosing props and backgrounds, and posing models with their best side facing the camera.
Address: 76 Steinwehr Ave Gettysburg PA 17325
Museum Of Haunted Objects
Gettysburg underwent one of the bloodiest battles in history; here at the Museum of Haunted Objects is a collection of artifacts and historical items with a very questionable past.
Come and check it out for yourself if they are haunted or not, but if historical items are your thing, then you must have a visit while in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. With a one-hour guided tour of the museum, you will learn about each piece in the store.
Address: 247-299 Baltimore St, Gettysburg, PA 17325
Conclusion
There are a ton of things to do in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania! From visiting the famous battlefields and paying tribute to past soldiers to checking out the local shops and restaurants to visiting historical sites and museums, there’s something for everyone.